If you’re having trouble seeing clearly — even with glasses or contacts — we can help.
Struggling to read a menu, recognize faces or follow directions on a box, even with glasses or contacts, are all signs of low vision.
Low vision, also called visual impairment, means your eyesight can’t be fully corrected with glasses, contacts or surgery. It can make daily tasks harder and affect your safety and independence.
At MU Health Care’s Mason Eye Clinic, we help you make the most of your sight. Our expert team also teaches and leads vision research through the University of Missouri, so you get care that’s backed by the latest science and built around you.
Low Vision Care at MU Health Care
When you choose MU Health Care, you're treated by one of the most experienced eye care teams in central Missouri.
At Mason Eye Clinic, our specialists in low vision, ophthalmology and optometry work together to understand how your vision is changing and what kind of support can help you the most.
Your care plan goes beyond magnifiers or large-print books. We tailor tools, strategies and technology to fit your needs and goals.
Low Vision Symptoms
Low vision affects people differently depending on the cause and severity.
Common symptoms include:
- Blurry or hazy vision, even with corrective lenses
- Difficulty reading small print, signs or screens
- Glare sensitivity or trouble adjusting to bright or dim light
- Loss of contrast, making it hard to distinguish similar colors
- Missing or distorted areas in your field of vision
- Needing brighter light for close-up work
- Reduced ability to recognize faces
- Trouble seeing at night or in low light
When to Seek Care
If your vision changes begin to interfere with daily life, it’s time for a low vision exam. Early support can help you adapt, reduce your risk of falls or injuries and do things you enjoy.
Talk with your doctor if you:
- Feel unsafe or unsteady because of vision changes
- Have trouble recognizing people or navigating familiar spaces
- Struggle with everyday activities like reading, cooking or driving
What Causes Low Vision?
Low vision often results from conditions, injuries or diseases that damage the eye or visual pathways. It can affect anyone, though it’s more common with age.
Common causes of low vision include:
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Inherited retinal diseases
- Optic nerve damage
- Stroke or brain injury
Regular follow-up with an eye care professional can help protect your vision and slow further loss.
How We Diagnose Low Vision
We begin with a low vision exam to review your medical and eye health history, talk through your specific challenges and assess your eyesight.
Tests may include:
- Contrast sensitivity testing: Determines how well you distinguish between similar shades and low-contrast objects.
- Refraction testing: Confirms whether your glasses or contacts are providing the best possible correction.
- Visual acuity testing: Measures how well you can see detail at different distances.
- Visual field testing: Checks for blind spots or areas of missing vision.
